Copper IUD Experience 1.5 years in
Hi all! Wanted to share my experience (27F) in case it brings other minds to ease. My experience has been overall positive, and (at least in my experience), it can most definitely get better! Obviously everyone’s experience is different and always listen to your body and see a doctor if something doesn’t feel right or if you’re uncomfortable!
I got my CIUD in early 2025 as a form of emergency contraceptive. It was absolutely a painful experience but not as bad as some of the horror stories I’ve heard. It was over quickly but definitely take ibuprofen before. I was crampy and bleeding for about a week until things settled down. The worst day was the 24 hours after insertion. My period resumed normally (my cycle actually got a few days shorter which was odd) but the cramps were pretty painful. I have always had really light periods and minimal cramping, so the increase in blood, cramping, and duration of my period was something I had to get used to. After about 8 months, I noticed my cramping was lessening and periods were shortening. Now I cramp a decent amount a day or two before my period and really bad the first two days of my period, but only in the evening? It’s manageable especially with ibuprofen.
Biggest things I’ve noticed outside of my period and the cramping itself:
Breast sensitivity: From ovulation to my period, my breasts get SO sensitive. Like my boobs hurt for half the month. It’s really odd as that didn’t happen before, but it’s honestly nice because it makes me feel like fertilization didn’t occur and I’m in the luteal phase.
Discharge!!! Especially in the first few months I had way more than I did pre CIUD, especially during ovulation. Also, I used to have to use lube during sex sometimes and not once since getting the IUD have I needed that. I think this might be a hot take but my libido has increased a lot with the copper iud, which has been a plus hahaha.
Bloat: I definitely feel more bloated on the reg, which I expected given the fact that the CIUD works by creating an inflammatory response. This was a big pill to swallow because of self esteem issues, but I’ve found that drinking de bloat tea at night helps this a lot
Mood swings: to me this is one of the worst symptoms. Before my period I feel like I am going insane. My anxiety spikes, I get so much more moody, I cry more, I get annoyed with my boyfriend much more easily…. It just seems like I’m more irritable which was not a problem before the CIUD. And then once I start my period I’m like Oooooooh so that’s why this week I’ve been so emotional. I really struggle with this one.
Overall, I definitely think it’s worth it to prevent pregnancy without hormones, but some lessons I’ve learned along the way that have personally helped me (please consult with your doctor as I am not one!): I take zinc, iron, and probiotics each day to help neutralize/offset the copper, heavier bleeding, and foreign object in my uterus. These have helped mitigate symptoms. I also check my strings monthly to make sure everything is in place for piece of mind. Lastly, my boyfriend and I also try to use the withdrawal method as much as possible because that brings chances of pregnancy down even further.
Good luck to you all out there, and hopefully you have a good copper iud experience!